The 23rd session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia has opened in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, hosted by Japan for the first time in their role as Regional Coordinator, and co-hosted by China. 

Chairperson, Aya Orito Nozawa introduced the guests, who included Jianxin Tian, Deputy Director-General from Department of Food Safety standards, risk Surveillance and Assessment, National Health Commission, China, Jing Tian, Vice-Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Sridhar Dharmapuri from FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and Gyanendra Gongal from the WHO Regional Office for Southeast Asia. Katsuhiro Saka, Director-General for Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary contributed via video message.

Opening the meeting, Jianxin Tian said “Food safety is the cornerstone of public health and social development, and it is a cause we all share. Asia is the most populous region in the world with diverse food cultures and vibrant food trade. Strengthening regional cooperation, promoting the harmonization of standards and enhancing food safety governance are not only our common aspirations but also our historic responsibility.” He summarized China’s record of food safety standards setting to demonstrate the importance the country attaches to the subject, and then turned to the topic of the CCASIA23 meeting: “This session is of great significance,” he said pointing to the discussions planned for the week, on the new Codex Strategic Plan, on regional priorities “and directions for actions in the new era, so that Asia's voice can be better heard in Food Safety governance.”

Katsuhiro SAKA then also spoke of the rich diversity of foods consumed within the Asia region. “As we know, Asian countries are culturally diverse, and each has its own unique foods,” he said. “However, we share the same goal: to protect consumer’s health and to ensure fair practices in the food trade. To achieve this goal, it is essential that standards be based on science and evidence. Science and evidence are the pillars that underpin the credibility of standards and the basis for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among member countries. As the Regional Coordinator for Asia, Japan will strive to promote Codex's efforts in cooperation with Members in the Asian region, while upholding the core values ​​of Codex: inclusiveness, collaboration, consensus-building and transparency.”

In her contribution, Sarah Cahill highlighted the collaborative approach of the co-hosts “This session is special. Current and former coordinators are jointly leading discussions underscoring their commitment to regional collaboration and unity,” she said. She went on to outline the vital and unique role of the FAO/WHO coordinating committees.

Jing Tian thanked the host and co-host on behalf of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “This session carries special significance as the first significant in-person gathering of Asia since the pandemic.,” she reminded delegates, continuing: “It has reaffirmed the vital role of regional coordinating committees in providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation and consensus building.”

Sridhar Dharmapuri reminded delegates of the relevance of Codex work to this region, saying “This region hosts some of the world's largest producers of rice, fish, pork, fruits, vegetables, milk, among others, and they also produce and consume a vast quantity of agricultural inputs such as pesticides and veterinary drugs. And all of these are topics for Codex and all its committees.” And Gyanendra Gongal took the global view: “Today, the food scene spans thousands of kilometres, crossing multiple national borders and encompassing numerous steps from production to consumption.” He then went on to outline both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the area of food safety.

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CCASIA23 webpage